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A man who was freed after serving 26 years behind bars is suing police and prosecutors.

The federal lawsuit by David Gavitt — who served time in the arson deaths of his wife and two young daughters — against state fire marshal's investigators, Ionia police and Ionia County prosecutors was filed Monday.

The lawsuit says the defendants conspired to create a false case against Gavitt, who now lives in Portage.

Messages were left Tuesday with the Ionia public safety director and county prosecutor. A state police spokeswoman said the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation.

Killed in the 1985 fire were Gavitt's wife, Angela, and his 3-year-old and 11-month-old daughters. Gavitt was hurt in the blaze, which authorities at the time said he set.

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